Hong Kong (CityU) has become the first non-governmental laboratory accredited in the Asia-Pacific region to provide antenna calibration services, demonstrating its leading position in this field.

Accredited under the Hong Kong Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (HOKLAS) on 31 January 2008, the research centre is recognised for its capability to perform calibration on antennae, until recently a service only available at national-laboratory level in the region.

The accreditation reinforces the strength of CityU’s applied research.

Professor (Chair) Edward Yung Kai-ning, Director of the Wireless Communications Research Centre, said the accreditation meant a more cost-effective, convenient and speedy service could be provided to industries in Hong Kong and the region as antennae can be calibrated at the Centre, instead of sending them to the US or Europe for calibration with a turn around time of four to eight weeks.

“The calibration of antennae requires great precision and technical skill, and through years of research on antennae, we have developed the capacity to meet these demanding requirements,” Professor Yung said.

Radiated emissions from an electrical device could interfere with other electronic devices. Using accurately calibrated antennae to measure the radiated emissions from electronic products, most of which are consumable products, is an important step toward ensuring product reliability.

To facilitate the calibration, an elevated 15-metre by 20-metre metal ground plane and two stands made of non-conductive fibre have been tailor-made at the research centre. Together with the electromagnetic compatibility analyser, the Centre can complete the calibration within one week, much faster than using overseas laboratories.

Professor Yung said the availability of an accredited antenna calibration laboratory in Hong Kong could help boost product quality for local industries as they would be more willing to send their products for testing. This is in line with government policy to enhance the quality and productivity of Hong Kong industries.

He added that with its dedicated, expert team, the research centre would be able to meet the demand for the service from both Hong Kong and its neighbouring regions.

On behalf of the research centre, Professor Yung received the accreditation certificate from HKAS at certificate presentation ceremony on 19 February.

The accreditation obtained by the research centre is under the Mutual Recognition Agreement, recognised as having the same technical validity as certificates endorsed by European Co-operation for Accreditation multilateral agreement group, APLAC Multilateral Mutual Recognition Arrangement and ILAC Multilateral Mutual Recognition Arrangement.